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More on Selhurst Park

Plans recently recommended by Croydon Council officers would see the stadium transformed from a 24,000 to a 36,000 capacity ground, with modernisation of the historic ground in a huge project which could cost up to£100 million.

The Premier League has praised Palace as a beacon for south London football and agrees a stadium expansion would help fans.

Their input in planning documents for the ground said: “Crystal Palace FC has a loyal and large following across South London and beyond and is an important part of London's football ecology.

“Although generations of Palace fans have enjoyed attending Selhurst Park and it is justly famous for its atmosphere, the stadium fabric is increasingly outdated.

“Sightlines are sometimes poor and facilities struggle to keep pace with rising expectations.”

The Premier League has citied “overdue modernisation” as a main factor in upgrading the treasured ground, with a view to improving the experience for fans and helping the local area.

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Palace will have to fork out about £350,000 to improve footpaths, road junctions, access to stations, CCTV on the routes fans use to get to the ground on match days.

Housing on Wooderson Close will also have to be demolished and replaced elsewhere in the borough.

But the Premier League believes the move would be beneficial for community projects and increase the diversity of those attending games.

View of the proposed development of Selhurst Park's new stand in the daytime (Image: CPFC)

Furthermore it was noted that the financial windfall of larger attendances could help the Eagles if they happened to go down.

Voicing its support the Premier League said: “This planning application underpins the ability of Crystal Palace FC to improve both on and off the pitch, to be dynamic as it responds to the challenges and opportunities of being an established Premier League member, with the infrastructure both to build on success but also to be resilient should relegation occur.

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On the economic side of the plans, the Premier League noted that: “The public sector will gain from the increased tax revenues generated by the growth this investment will bring. The Premier League will benefit from a healthier and stronger member club.”

The Premier League fully supported the plans for a new stadium, stating: “On all these grounds we support Crystal Palace FC’s application and urge you to come to a positive conclusion.”